Multi-Purpose Adjustable Retaining Device

ABSTRACT

A multi-purpose adjustable retaining device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cord having two ends is provided that is composed of an elastomeric material configured to deform elastically upon elongation. Each of ends of the cord are threaded through a cord stop, which permits the length of each end to be adjusted, with any spare cord forming a loop extending from a side of the cord stop opposite the two ends. Suspension clips are respectively slidably connected to each end of the cord in order to grip a material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/176,806, which was filed on Jul. 6, 2011 in thename of Jamie D. Whaley and is entitled “Multi-Purpose AdjustableRetaining Device;” which claims priority from U.S. Pat. No. 61/399,175,which was filed on Jul. 8, 2010 in the name of Jamie D. Whaley and isentitled “Multi-Purpose Adjustable Retaining Device;” both of which arehereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates, in general, to the field of retaining articlesin place and, more particularly, to the a multi-purpose retaining devicefor retaining materials such as bed sheets, tarps, table cloths, andsimilar articles in place.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, its backgroundwill be described with reference to bed coverings, as an example. Bedcoverings and particularly sheets often slip due to loss of elastic, forexample. Alternatively, thin, extremely smooth sheets, and flat sheetswithout an edge may also experience slipping. Sheets that have slippedmay lead to discomfort while sleeping and present untidy or carelessappearance. Accordingly, a need exists for improvements in the field ofretaining articles, such as bed coverings, in place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be advantageous to achieve advances in the field of retainingarticles, such as bed coverings and sheets, which address slipping. Itwould also be desirable to enable a mechanical solution that would beeasy and convenient to use for retaining all types of articles, whilepromoting a tidy and organized appearance. To better address one or moreof these concerns, a multi-purpose retaining device is disclosed. In oneembodiment, a cord having two ends is provided that is composed of anelastomeric material configured to deform elastically upon elongation.Each of the ends of the cord is threaded through a cord stop, whichpermits the length of each end to be adjusted, with any spare cordforming a loop extending from a side of the cord stop opposite the twoends. Suspension clips are respectively slidably connected to each endof the cord in order to grip a material. In one embodiment of a kit, themulti-purpose adjustable retaining device may be employed with amaterial, such as bed covering to provide a fitted sheet equivalent.These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from andelucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of thepresent invention, reference is now made to the detailed description ofthe invention along with the accompanying figures in which correspondingnumerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a multi-purposeretaining device being employed to retain a portion of a bed sheet, asan example, according to the teachings presented herein;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the multi-purpose retainingdevice depicted in FIG. 1 being adjusted by tightening;

FIG. 2B is a side perspective view of the multi-purpose retaining devicedepicted in FIG. 2A as viewed along line 2B-2B;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of the multi-purpose retaining devicedepicted in FIG. 1 in a first operational configuration;

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the multi-purpose retaining devicedepicted in FIG. 1 in a second operational configuration;

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the multi-purpose retaining devicedepicted in FIG. 1 in a third operational configuration;

FIG. 4A is a front exploded view of the multi-purpose retaining devicedepicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a front exploded view of one component of the multi-purposeretaining device depicted in FIG. 4B, wherein that one embodiment of thecomponent, a cord, is depicted as elongated;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view depicting one embodiment of a component, acord stop, of the multi-purpose retaining device;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view depicting one embodiment of the cordstop in a first operational configuration;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the cord stop in a secondoperational configuration; and

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view depicting one embodiment of a component, asuspension clip, of the multi-purpose retaining device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts, whichcan be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the invention, and do not delimit the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2B, therein is depictedone embodiment of a multi-purpose adjustable retaining device that isschematically illustrated and generally designated 10. As shown, themulti-purpose adjustable retaining device 10 includes a cord 12, whichhas two ends 14, 16, composed of an elastomeric material configured todeform elastically upon elongation. Each of ends 14, 16 of the cord 12are threaded through a cord stop 18, which permits the length of thecord 12 to be adjusted, with any spare cord 12 forming a loop.Suspension clips 20-1, 20-2, which may be individually or collectivelysuspension clips 20, are respectively slidably connected to each end 14,16 of the cord 10 in order to grip a material.

As depicted, the multi-purpose adjustable retaining device 10 isgripping a fitted bed sheet S, which over time and through use has lostits elastic edge E. In this manner, the multipurpose adjustableretaining device forms a portion of a kit providing a fitted sheetequivalent for a bed sheet having a non-elastic edge, for example. Itshould be appreciated that although the multi-purpose adjustableretaining device 10 is illustrated being utilized to retain a bed sheetunder the desired tension, the multi-purpose adjustable retaining devicemay be employed to provide increased tension and/or fit to a variety ofmaterials. By way of example and not by way of limitation, themulti-purpose adjustable retaining device may be employed with bedcoverings, flat sheets, mattress pads, futons, RV beds, travel trailerbeds, camper beds, air mattresses, grill covers, tablecloths, furniturecovers, pet bedding covers, outdoor equipment covers, car seat covers,boat seat covers, and message tables, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4B, asdiscussed, the cord 12 includes ends 14, 16 and is composed of anelastomeric material 30 configured to deform elastically uponelongation. As shown, the elastomeric material 30 includes an originallength L_(O) and a length after elongation L_(E), wherein L_(E) isgreater than L_(O). In one implementation, the modulus of elasticity ofthe cord 12 is as follows, expressed by stretch:

STRETCH=80%

It should be appreciated, however, that the elasticity as expressed orrepresented by stretch of the cord 12 may be between about 65% and about95%. Further, in one implementation, other characteristics of the cord12 may include about ⅛″ diameter cord (+/−0.050″), including about 30%(+/−4%) nylon yarn and about 70% (+/−4%) natural rubber with a machinesize of about 16 CARR.

The cord stop 18 divides the cord 12 into a cord segment 32 proximatethe end 14, a cord segment 34 proximate the end 16 and a loop segment36. As shown, the initial length L_(1-O) of the cord segment 32 isbetween about 0 (e.g., FIG. 3C) and about the original length L₀ (e.g.,FIG. 3A) of the cord 12. Similarly, the initial length L₂₋₀ of the cordsegment 34 is between about 0 (e.g., FIG. 3A) and about the originallength L₀ (e.g., FIG. 3C). The loop length L₁₋₀ of the loop segment isbetween about 0 (e.g., FIG. 3A or FIG. 3C) and about the original lengthL₀ of the cord 12 (e.g., FIG. 3B). As shown, the sum of the initiallength L₁₋₀ of the cord segment 32, the initial length L₂₋₀ of the cordsegment 34, and the loop length L_(L-0) is equal to the original lengthL_(O) of the cord 12. Moreover, the lengths of the cord segments 32, 34are mutually exclusive.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 3A through 4B, each of the cord segments32, 34 as well as the entire cord 12 has an elongated length. As shown,the cord 12 has an elongated length L_(E). The cord segments 32, 34 haverespective elongated lengths of L_(1-E) and L_(2-E). As shown bycomparing FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C for comparative and illustrativepurposes, the elongated lengths L_(1-E) and L_(2-E) depend on theelasticity, stretch, and the stain of the cord 12 as well as the lengthsL₁₋₀ and L₂₋₀ of the respective cord segments 32, 34.

Referring now to FIG. 4A through FIG. 6B, the cord stop 18 includes abarrel 44 having a floor member 46 with a sidewall 48 extendingtherefrom. The floor member 46 includes an interior 50 and an exterior52. An opening 54 is defined by the sidewall 48. A flange 56circumscribes the sidewall 48 and extends inward therefrom into theopening 54. Two pairs of aligned openings 58, 60 and 62, 64 traverse thesidewall 48. A plunger 66 is spring-mounted to the interior 50 of thebarrel 44 such that the plunger is biased against the floor member 46.As shown, in one embodiment, the plunger 66 includes two channels 68, 70passing therethrough. A spring 72 is mounted, in an interposing manner,in between the interior 50 of the barrel 44 and the plunger 66. As shownby arrow 74, the spring 72 presses the plunger 66 toward the opening 54and the flange 56, which restricts the movement of the plunger 66. Asshown in FIG. 6A, the channels 68, 70 are aligned with the pairs ofaligned openings 58, 60 and 62, 64 of the cord stop 18 when thespring-mounted plunger 66 is compressed. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 6B by arrow 76, the channels 68, 70 are vertically offset from thepairs of aligned openings 58, 60 and 62, 64 of the cord stop 18 when thespring-mounted plunger 66 is relaxed. Further, as depicted in FIG. 4Athrough FIG. 6B, the ends 14, 16 of the cord 12 are threaded through thepairs of aligned openings 58, 60 and 62, 64 of the cord stop 18.

Referring now to FIG. 3A through FIG. 4A and FIG. 7, crimping loopsleeves 80, 82 are coupled to the respective ends 14, 16 of the cord 12by being secured to respective end loops 84, 86 at the ends 14, 16. Asshown, the suspension clips 20-1, 20-2, which in one embodiment, may bemetal suspension clips, are respectively slidably secured to the endloops 84, 86 as shown by arrows 88, 90. Each of the suspension clips20-1 and 20-2 includes a base member 100 having teeth 102. A slottedflange member 104 having a slot 106 extends from the base member 100.Further, a pair of opposing flange members 108 also extend from the basemember 100. As illustrated, a gripping member 110 with teeth 112 isprovided. In one embodiment, the teeth 110, 112 include plastic insertsconfigured to provide a plastic-to-plastic grip therebetween. The teeth112 are configured to complement the teeth 102. A lever member 114includes a pivot member 116 superposed on the gripper member 110. Thelever member 114 is pivotally coupled by a pair of pivot pins 118 to theopposing side flange members 104 of the base member 100. Rotation of thelever member 114 around the pivot pins 118 as shown by arrow 120provides a cam action, which tightly locks the gripping member 110 tothe base member 100, thereby locking the teeth 102 and teeth 112 inengagement about a material.

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 7, in operation, the multi-purposeadjustable retaining device 10 provides a thumb-finger precision gripplatform 130 and a handle area 132 for the two-handed selectiveadjustment of the multi-purpose adjustable retaining device 10.Initially, the suspension clips 20 are coupled to the material, which isdepicted as a fitted bed sheet S that has lost the elasticity of elasticedge E. With respect to the thumb-finger precision grip platform 130,the exterior 52 of the floor member 46 of the barrel 44 of the cord stop18 is sized to provide a finger platform component 134 of a thumb-fingerprecision grip platform 130. Cooperating therewith, as shown, theplunger 66 is sized to provide a thumb platform component 136 of thethumb-finger precision grip platform 130. In one embodiment, thethumb-finger precision grip platform 130 is configured to furnish asubterminolateral opposition key grip wherein the pad of the thumbpresses against the side of the index finger to hold the cord stoptherebetween. Alternatively, the thumb-finger precision grip platform130 is configured to provide a subterminal opposition in which thepalmar surfaces of the thumb and index finger to hold the cord stoptherebetween.

With the individual engaging the thumb-finger precision grip platformwith the thumb T and index finger F, the other hand H grasps the loopsegment 36 of the cord 12 in preparation to adjust the length of thecord segments 32, 34 and loop segment 36, and the tension of the loopsegments 32, 34. The plunger 66 is depressed by the index finger F,permitting the cord 12 to be selectively and adjustably engaged by thehand H until the desired length of loop segments 32, 34 and tension isrealized. As previously discussed, each loop segment 34, 34 of the cord12 may be of a different length or the same length, depending on theapplication.

With respect to the handle area 132 for the two-handed selectiveadjustment, a hand may manipulate the length and thereby, the tension,of the cord segments. That is, the thumb-finger precision grip platform130 cooperates with the loop segment 36 at the handle area 132 toprovide one-hand selective actuation of the multi-purpose adjustableretaining device 10 and, simultaneously, other-hand adjustment of thelength of the cord segments 32, 34. As discussed, the cord segments areconfigured to deform elastically upon elongation responsive to thesuspension clips being coupled to a material.

It should be appreciated that although particular cords, cord stops andsuspension clips are depicted in the drawings, other types of cord stopsand suspension clips are within the teachings presented herein. By wayof example and not by way of limitation, the cord may be a bungee cordwith a circular cross-section or generally any type of elastic band.Other materials that may be utilized include nylon, plastic, rubber,string, or any other material. The cord may be one or two cords ofvarious lengths, diameters or measurements. As discussed, the cord mayinclude some elasticity, but in some applications a fixed cord lengthmay be desirable and, in those instances, a non-elastic cord may beused.

The cord stop may be a cord lock of the type defining at least onepassage therethrough and adapted to releasably engage a cord byoperation of a spring-loaded release button. Cord stops may be obtainedin many configurations, some of which have a button-like appearance, andothers which have a barrel shape. Similarly, cord stops may includemultiple passages therethrough to receive two or more cords. By way offurther example, the suspension clips may be a clamp, clasp, clip, hookor loop fastener, button, magnet, or pin, for example.

The order of execution or performance of the methodologies illustratedand described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. Thatis, elements of the methods may be performed in any order, unlessotherwise specified, and that the methods may include more or lesselements than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplatedthat executing or performing a particular element before,contemporaneously with, or after another element are all possiblesequences of execution.

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrativeembodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in alimiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of theillustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention,will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to thedescription. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claimsencompass any such modifications or embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-purpose adjustable retaining devicecomprising: a cord having a first end and a second end, the cord beingcomposed of an elastomeric material configured to deform elasticallyupon elongation, the elastomeric material having an original lengthL_(O) and a length after elongation L_(E), wherein L_(E) is greater thanL_(O); a cord stop comprising: a barrel having a floor member with asidewall extending therefrom, the floor member having an interior and anexterior, the exterior of the floor member sized to provide a fingerplatform component of a thumb-finger precision grip platform, thesidewall defining an opening in the barrel, a flange circumscribing thesidewall and extending inward therefrom into the opening, first andsecond pairs of aligned openings traversing the sidewall, a plungerspring-mounted to the interior of the base, the plunger being biasedagainst the base, the plunger having first and second channels passingtherethrough, a spring mounted to the interior of the base and plunger,the spring pressing the plunger toward the opening and the flange, whichrestricts the movement thereof, the plunger being sized to provide athumb platform component of a thumb-finger precision grip platform, thefirst and second channels being aligned with the first and second pairsof aligned openings of the cord stop when the spring-mounted plunger iscompressed, and the first and second channels being vertically offsetfrom the first and second pairs of aligned openings of the cord stopwhen the spring-mounted plunger is relaxed; the first and second ends ofthe cord being threaded through the first and second pairs of alignedopenings of the cord stop; the cord stop in combination with the firstend of the cord defining a first cord segment having an initial lengthL1I, the cord stop in combination with the second end of the corddefining a second cord segment having an initial length L2I, the cordstop in combination with the cord defining a loop segment having aninitial length LSI; the initial length L₁₋₀ of the first cord segmentbeing between about 0 and about the original length L0, the initiallength L_(2-O) of the second cord segment being between about 0 andabout the original length L₀, the loop length L_(L) _(L-O) of the loopsegment being between about 0 and about the original length L₀, the sumof the initial length L_(1-O) of the first cord segment, the initiallength L_(2-O) of the second cord segment, and the loop length L_(L-O)being equal to the original length L_(O) of the cord; first and secondcrimping loop sleeves coupled to the respective first and second ends ofthe cord, the first and second crimping loop sleeves securing respectivefirst and second end loops thereat; first and second suspension clipsrespectively secured to the first and second end loops, each of thefirst and second suspension clips comprising: base member having firstteeth extending therefrom, the base member having a slotted flangemember extending therefrom defining a slot, the base member having apair of opposing side flange members, a gripping member with secondteeth configured to complement the first teeth, and a lever memberincluding a pivot member superposed on the gripper member, the levermember being pivotally coupled by a pair of pivot pins to the opposingside flange embers of the base member, wherein rotation of the levermember around the pivot pins providing a cam action which tightly locksthe gripping member to the base member, thereby locking the first andsecond suspension clips; the first and second end loops slidablyconnected to the respective slots of the first and second suspensionclips; and the first and second cord segments configured to deformelastically upon elongation responsive to the first and secondsuspension clips being coupled to a material.
 2. The multi-purposeadjustable retaining device as recited in claim 1, wherein the cordfurther comprises an elasticity expressed as stretch between about 65%and about 95%.
 3. The multi-purpose adjustable retaining device asrecited in claim 1, wherein the cord further comprises a composition ofabout 30% nylon yarn and about 70% natural rubber.
 4. The multi-purposeadjustable retaining device as recited in claim 1, further comprisingthe thumb-finger precision grip platform cooperating with the loopsegment to provide one-hand selective actuation of the multi-purposeadjustable retaining device and, simultaneously, other-hand adjustmentof the length of the first and second cord segments.
 5. Themulti-purpose adjustable retaining device as recited in claim 1, whereineach of the first and second teeth further comprise plastic insertsconfigured to provide a plastic-to-plastic grip.
 6. The multi-purposeadjustable retaining device as recited in claim 1, wherein the materialcomprises a bed covering selected from the group consisting of flatsheets, and fitted sheets.
 7. The multi-purpose adjustable retainingdevice as recited in claim 1, wherein the material is selected from thegroup consisting of bed coverings, flat sheets, fitted sheets, mattresspads, futons, RV beds, travel trailer beds, camper beds, air mattresses,grill covers, tablecloths, furniture covers, pet bedding covers, outdoorequipment covers, car seat covers, boat seat covers, and message tables.8. A multi-purpose adjustable retaining device comprising: a cord havinga first end and a second end, the cord being composed of an elastomericmaterial configured to deform elastically upon elongation, theelastomeric material having an original length Lo and a length afterelongation L_(E), wherein L_(E) is greater than L_(O); the cord havingan elasticity as expressed by stretch between about 65% and about 95%;the cord having a composition of about 30% nylon yarn and about 70%natural rubber; a cord stop comprising: a barrel having a floor memberwith a sidewall extending therefrom, the floor member having an interiorand an exterior, the exterior of the floor member sized to provide afinger platform component of a thumb-finger precision grip platform, thesidewall defining an opening in the barrel, a flange circumscribing thesidewall and extending inward therefrom into the opening, first andsecond pairs of aligned openings traversing the sidewall, a plungerspring-mounted to the interior of the base, the plunger being biasedagainst the base, the plunger having first and second channels passingtherethrough, a spring mounted to the interior of the base and plunger,the spring pressing the plunger toward the opening and the flange, whichrestricts the movement thereof, the plunger being sized to provide athumb platform component of a thumb-finger precision grip platform, thefirst and second channels being aligned with the first and second pairsof aligned openings of the cord stop when the spring-mounted plunger iscompressed, and the first and second channels being vertically offsetfrom the first and second pairs of aligned openings of the cord stopwhen the spring-mounted plunger is relaxed; the first and second ends ofthe cord being threaded through the first and second pairs of alignedopenings of the cord stop; the cord stop in combination with the firstend of the cord defining a first cord segment having an initial lengthL_(1-O), the cord stop in combination with the second end of the corddefining a second cord segment having an initial length L_(2-O), thecord stop in combination with the cord defining a loop segment having aninitial length L_(L-O); the initial length L_(1-O) of the first cordsegment being between about 0 and about the original length L₀, theinitial length L_(2-O) of the second cord segment being between about 0and about the original length L₀, the loop length LSI of the loopsegment being between about 0 and about the original length L_(O), thesum of the initial length L₁₋₀ of the first cord segment, the initiallength L_(2-O) of the second cord segment, and the loop length L_(L-O)being equal to the original length L_(O) of the cord; first and secondcrimping loop sleeves coupled to the respective first and second ends ofthe cord, the first and second crimping loop sleeves securing respectivefirst and second end loops thereat; first and second suspension clipsrespectively secured to the first and second end loops, each of thefirst and second suspension clips comprising: base member having firstteeth extending therefrom, the base member having a slotted flangemember extending therefrom defining a slot, the base member having apair of opposing side flange members, a gripping member with secondteeth configured to complement the first teeth, and a lever memberincluding a pivot member superposed on the gripper member, the levermember being pivotally coupled by a pair of pivot pins to the opposingside flange embers of the base member, wherein rotation of the levermember around the pivot pins providing a cam action which tightly locksthe gripping member to the base member, thereby locking the first andsecond suspension clips; the first and second end loops slidablyconnected to the respective slots of the first and second suspensionclips; the first and second cord segments configured to deformelastically upon elongation responsive to the first and secondsuspension clips being coupled to a material; and the thumb-fingerprecision grip platform cooperating with the loop segment to provideone-hand selective actuation of the multi-purpose adjustable retainingdevice and, simultaneously, other-hand adjustment of the length of thefirst and second cord segments.
 9. The multi-purpose adjustableretaining device as recited in claim 8, wherein the material comprises abed covering selected from the group consisting of flat sheets, andfitted sheets.
 10. A multi-purpose adjustable retaining device frommaking a fitted sheet equivelant comprising: a bed sheet having anon-elastic edge; a cord having a first end and a second end, the cordbeing composed of an elastomeric material configured to deformelastically upon elongation, the elastomeric material having an originallength L_(O) and a length after elongation L_(E), wherein L_(E) isgreater than L_(O); the cord having an elasticity as expressed bystretch between about 65% and about 95%; the cord having a compositionof about 30% nylon yarn and about 70% natural rubber; a cord stopcomprising: a barrel having a floor member with a sidewall extendingtherefrom, the floor member having an interior and an exterior, theexterior of the floor member sized to provide a finger platformcomponent of a thumb-finger precision grip platform, the sidewalldefining an opening in the barrel, a flange circumscribing the sidewalland extending inward therefrom into the opening, first and second pairsof aligned openings traversing the sidewall, a plunger spring-mounted tothe interior of the base, the plunger being biased against the base, theplunger having first and second channels passing therethrough, a springmounted to the interior of the base and plunger, the spring pressing theplunger toward the opening and the flange, which restricts the movementthereof, the plunger being sized to provide a thumb platform componentof a thumb-finger precision grip platform, the first and second channelsbeing aligned with the first and second pairs of aligned openings of thecord stop when the spring-mounted plunger is compressed, and the firstand second channels being vertically offset from the first and secondpairs of aligned openings of the cord stop when the spring-mountedplunger is relaxed; the first and second ends of the cord being threadedthrough the first and second pairs of aligned openings of the cord stop;the cord stop in combination with the first end of the cord defining afirst cord segment having an initial length L_(1-O), the cord stop incombination with the second end of the cord defining a second cordsegment having an initial length L_(2-O), the cord stop in combinationwith the cord defining a loop segment having an initial length L_(L-O);the initial length L_(1-O) of the first cord segment being between about0 and about the original length L_(O), the initial length L_(2-O) of thesecond cord segment being between about 0 and about the original lengthL₀, the loop length L_(L-O) of the loop segment being between about 0and about the original length L₀, the sum of the initial length L_(1-O)of the first cord segment, the initial length L_(2-O) of the second cordsegment, and the loop length L_(L-O) being equal to the original lengthL_(O) of the cord; first and second crimping loop sleeves coupled to therespective first and second ends of the cord, the first and secondcrimping loop sleeves securing respective first and second end loopsthereat; first and second suspension clips respectively secured to thefirst and second end loops, each of the first and second suspensionclips comprising: base member having first teeth extending therefrom,the base member having a slotted flange member extending therefromdefining a slot, the base member having a pair of opposing side flangemembers, a gripping member with second teeth configured to complementthe first teeth, and a lever member including a pivot member superposedon the gripper member, the lever member being pivotally coupled by apair of pivot pins to the opposing side flange embers of the basemember, wherein rotation of the lever member around the pivot pinsproviding a cam action which tightly locks the gripping member to thebase member, thereby locking the first and second suspension clips tothe bed sheet; the first and second end loops slidably connected to therespective slots of the first and second suspension clips; each of thefirst and second suspension clips being secured to the bed sheet; thefirst and second cord segments configured to deform elastically uponelongation responsive to the first and second suspension clips beingcoupled to the bed sheet; and the thumb-finger precision grip platformcooperating with the loop segment to provide one-hand selectiveactuation of the multi-purpose adjustable retaining device and,simultaneously, other-hand adjustment of the length of the first andsecond cord segments.